Tidbits of Joy #89 - Cheers to 35 Years

Dear AdNet Employees, Clients and Friends;

This month AdNet celebrates our 35th year anniversary. That first day is so clear in my mind as I drove to AdNet’s first office in the basement of a brownstone in Baltimore City. It was exciting and equally as scary yet at 28, I had a dream in my heart and fire in my belly to create a different kind of staffing firm where people felt loved and cared for, which was taboo to use those words in 1990. Here I sit today reflecting on so much history that AdNet experienced over 35 years. We shifted course through the Gulf War, 9/11, the dot.com bust, the Great Recession, the pandemic and the ever changing political climate. Thinking back to each time, I prayed hard and sought out counsel from trusted experts so that the decisions I made were the best ones for all the people who worked for AdNet. By the way, I am a fierce protector of my employees and customers so never mess with them. 😊

At this time in my life, I think about the choices I made, and the same thoughts always come up that I am grateful to have started AdNet to provide jobs for people who seek new opportunities. From the first day I entered the industry in January of 1985 (oh my, a lifetime ago 😊) I fell in love with the nature of the work, and was fulfilled that I helped someone shift careers or was able to bring home a weekly paycheck to provide for their family. That still drives us today at AdNet. Our customers have allowed us to grow in various labor categories and we support meaningful projects in the private and public sector.  

The world is changing rapidly and those of us in business for many years get good at pivoting to forward the mission of our organizations even when some of the changes seem daunting. I keep a picture on my desk with the saying “The current was strong, and the tide was great, but this is what she was made for.” That quality was engrained in me by my mom. When my dad died when I was six, she focused on making sure I had the tools to fight for what I wanted and that I didn’t run from challenges. Of course, she preferred that I didn’t push back on her motherly leadership!! I taught her a few lessons too!! 😊  I walk through fires when I have to because I know that on the other side of that journey is important knowledge to preserve the well-being of our employees and customers. I surround myself with people who walk their talk, and my spiritual space stays clear of out of integrity people.

When we focus on our dreams, small and big, please know, there are many tears, many sleepless nights, and concerns about the steps needed to navigate storms. I still dream, still worry and I see the possibility in the challenges that the universe puts on my path. Never let the nay-sayers stop you because your goals are valuable, and you are worthy of each and every dream. Just be prepared for the ride of your life!! At this time in history, we are seeing disruption so rather than hanging our heads, put on our thinking caps, take a deep breath and make a new choice. We’ve got this!!

Cheers to AdNet, a company grounded in integrity, accountability and trust. Thank you to all of our employees and customers for giving us a chance to grow together.